Tip from the Pro

Jason Daubner is the Head Golf Professional at Peninsula State Park.

The ability to get out of greenside bunkers successfully depends on three basic fundamentals: 1) correct setup; 2) proper technique; and consistent entry point into the sand.

Golfers should use a sand wedge when hitting these shots around the green. Sand wedges range in lofts typically 54 to 58 degrees and have 8 to 12 degrees of bounce. The wider flange on the bottom of the sand wedge is referred to as the bounce and keeps the wedge from digging too deep into the sand.

In order to have the correct setup, a golfer must first think of various lines. The first line to think about is the target line, the imaginary line from your golf ball to the target. Try to open your body up to this line about 10 degrees. The ball should be positioned off the inside of your left heel for a right-handed golfer to give it a forward position in your stance. The idea in a greenside bunker is to enter the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball, forcing the ball out and onto the green.

Once you are properly set up, with equal weight distributed on both feet, open the clubface slightly to give added loft to the shot. Opening the face also allows the back portion of the club to bounce off the sand, not digging into the sand and stopping your swing. Aligning your body left at setup will also offset the face being in an open position resulting in the shot going towards the target.

When taking your backswing, try to take the club either straight back or a little outside the target line. As you bring the club backwards, allow your hands to hinge producing a more vertical swing, helping the club enter the sand about 1 to 2 inches behind the ball. As you swing the club forward, make sure you accelerate the club through the sand and out to your left side. Remember you are not trying to make contact with the ball itself but are skimming the top layer of sand behind, creating an explosion shot forcing the ball up and out with spin.

These basic fundamentals will help you hit better bunker shots. In order to get more consistent, try to get to a driving range with a bunker to practice before taking it to the course. Good Luck!